Factors affecting quality of life in patients with radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the factors affecting the quality of life of patients with radical prostatectomy. Methods: Participants included 114 patients with radical prostatectomy in Pusan National University Hospital in Busan, Korea. Data were collected from May to July 2018, using a structured questionnaire measuring quality of life, erectile dysfunction, lower urinary tract symptoms, appraisal of uncertainty, resilience, educational needs for sexual health, and marital intimacy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, a one-way analysis of variance, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: The statistically significant regression model explained about 77% of the variance in quality of life. Appraisal of uncertainty as an opportunity, appraisal of uncertainty as a danger, and resilience were identified as factors influencing the participants' quality of life. Conclusion: In order to improve the quality of life of patients with radical prostatectomy, it is necessary to reduce uncertainty through providing practical information on uncertain situations, and the programs should be applied that can lower the danger aspect of uncertainty, increase the opportunity factor of uncertainty, and increase the resilience of the patient himself.